Ohio State Commit Paris Johnson Jr. to Play in Polynesian Bowl

Ohio State five-star offensive tackle commit Paris Johnson Jr. will conclude his illustrious high school career in the Polynesian Bowl in Honolulu, Hawaii, on January 18, 2020.

“It means a lot to be selected as a Polynesian All-Star and a player ambassador,” Johnson told Eleven Warriors. “It’s a blessing to be able to play in two of the best bowl games in the country.”

The 6-foot-7, 285-pound Johnson — who hails from Cincinnati St. Xavier — will also play in the All-American Bowl presented by American Family Insurance (formerly known as the U.S. Army All-American Bowl) in San Antonio just two weeks prior.

“We are pleased to have Paris join us at the 2020 Polynesian Bowl,” four-time Super Bowl Champion and Polynesian Football Hall of Fame chairman Jesse Sapolu told Eleven Warriors. “He will enjoy a lifetime experience of culture and football in paradise.”

Johnson, the second-best offensive tackle and No. 8 prospect overall in the Class of 2020, picked Ohio State in late June over offers from some of the best programs in the country, including Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, LSU, Miami, Michigan, Michigan State, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, Oregon, Penn State, Stanford, Texas, Texas A&M and USC. He will also be an ambassador for the game, a title he shares with California five-star wide receiver Johnny Wilson and five-star quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei; Washington five-star linebacker Sav’ell Smalls; Washington D.C. five-star linebacker Mekhail Sherman; and California four-star offensive guard Myles Murao.

“Their role is to share the aloha of the Polynesian Bowl,” Sapolu said. “They have been selected because they are outstanding people on and off the field. That is what our game is about.”

To which Johnson added, "As one of the player ambassadors for the game, I represent the game and show others how great it is to be a part of the Polynesian family."

The 2020 Polynesian Bowl will take place at Aloha Stadium and be broadcast live on CBS Sports Network. Ohio State four-star athlete commit Steele Chambers and four-star linebacker commit Kane Patterson will play in this year's game, meanwhile.